Wearing braces or Invisalign doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a school athlete, or part of a competitive league, playing sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment is not only possible—it’s quite common. With a few smart precautions and the right equipment, you can stay active and protect your smile throughout your treatment.

The Good News: You Can Still Play!

Braces and Invisalign are designed to fit into your lifestyle—not the other way around. While contact sports do increase the risk of injury to the mouth, they don’t disqualify you from participating. Athletes of all ages and skill levels wear orthodontic appliances every day. The key is learning how to safeguard your teeth, gums, and orthodontic devices during practices and games.

Risks to Consider

Before jumping back into your favorite sport, it’s important to understand the risks associated with playing while wearing braces or Invisalign:

• Oral Injuries: Impact to the face can cause braces to cut the inside of your cheeks or lips, or lead to bruising and swelling.

• Damage to Brackets and Wires: A blow to the mouth may break or dislodge parts of your braces, requiring repair.

• Invisalign Loss or Breakage: Aligners are removable, which is both an advantage and a risk. Losing or cracking them can delay treatment.

While these risks are real, they’re entirely manageable with proper preparation.

Mouthguards: Your Best Defense

One of the most important pieces of protective gear for athletes with braces or Invisalign is a mouthguard. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face and reduce the risk of mouth injuries, chipped teeth, or damage to orthodontic appliances.

For Braces:

If you have traditional braces, a braces-specific mouthguard is a must. These are larger than standard guards to accommodate brackets and wires without applying too much pressure.

• Orthodontic Mouthguards: Made from medical-grade silicone, these are designed to fit over braces comfortably while allowing room for tooth movement.

• Custom-Fit Options: Your orthodontist can provide a custom mouthguard that offers superior comfort and protection. This is especially helpful for athletes in high-impact sports like football, hockey, or basketball.

For Invisalign:

Invisalign wearers have two options:

1. Play with Aligners In: Some patients prefer to keep their aligners in while playing. If so, a custom-fitted mouthguard should be worn over the aligners to protect both the appliance and your teeth.

2. Remove Aligners Temporarily: Others choose to remove their Invisalign during games. If you take this route, be sure to wear a mouthguard and store your aligners safely in their case.

Speak with your orthodontist about what’s best for your treatment plan and lifestyle.

Sport-Specific Tips

Depending on your sport, you may need to take different precautions:

• Contact Sports (Football, Soccer, Hockey, Basketball): Always wear a mouthguard. These sports carry the highest risk for facial impact.

• Solo Sports (Tennis, Track, Swimming): While the risk is lower, a mouthguard may still be helpful, especially during training.

• Martial Arts and Wrestling: Choose a mouthguard with extra coverage. Custom-fit options are ideal for comfort and retention.

• Skating and BMX: Falls are common, so facial protection—including helmets with mouth guards—is crucial.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Accidents happen—even with the best preparation. If you experience a blow to the face or mouth while wearing braces or Invisalign, take the following steps:

1. Check for Damage: Examine your mouth and appliances. Are any wires broken or loose? Are your teeth painful or out of place?

2. Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm saltwater to clean minor cuts or irritation.

3. Contact Your Orthodontist: Promptly call your orthodontist for an evaluation. Quick repairs can prevent treatment delays and additional complications.

4. Use Orthodontic Wax: If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to the area until your appointment.

It’s also wise to keep a braces repair kit in your sports bag, which includes orthodontic wax, a small mirror, floss, and a mouthguard case.

Playing Smart Means Playing Safe

Beyond wearing a mouthguard, here are a few more smart habits to adopt while playing sports with orthodontic appliances:

• Avoid Chewing on Equipment: Helmets, mouthguards, and water bottles aren’t chew toys—biting them can damage braces or aligners.

• Hydrate Often: Dry mouth can increase irritation, so drink plenty of water.

• Stick to Soft Foods After Games: If your mouth feels sore after contact, opt for smoothies, soups, or mashed foods until the discomfort passes.

• Keep Aligners Safe: If removing Invisalign to play, always use the designated case. Never wrap them in a napkin or toss them in your bag.

Encouraging Active Lifestyles During Treatment

At Tisseront Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic care should support your lifestyle, not restrict it. Our team works closely with young athletes, dancers, martial artists, and active adults to make sure their treatment plans align with their daily routines.

Whether you’re gearing up for a big game or just enjoying a weekend workout, we’ll help you protect your smile every step of the way. From fitting you with a custom mouthguard to repairing unexpected damage, we’re here to keep your treatment on track and your smile on point.

Stay in the Game—Safely!

Playing sports while wearing braces or Invisalign doesn’t have to be risky. With the right protection and smart habits, you can keep doing what you love while working toward a healthier, more confident smile. If you have questions about sports safety during treatment or need a custom-fitted mouthguard, reach out to our friendly team at Tisseront Orthodontics in Reston, VA.

Looking for a trusted Reston orthodontist to guide your treatment and help you stay active during braces or Invisalign? Contact Tisseront Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation!